NAPWA 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AND 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2019The National Association of People Living With HIV and AIDS of South Africa (NAPWA), celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its existence in Harrismith Inn, Free State Province last week from the 12th June 2014 to the 15th June 2014. At least hundred and twenty NAPWA members and partners come from all Provinces in South Africa, as well at SADC level gathered to celebrate the historically milestones achieved by NAPWA in the past two decades of its existence.

It was not only celebrations for NAPWA and its members. It was a joyous celebration to honor individuals, government and partners for the commitment they demonstrated in the past two decades to Combat HIV and AIDS in South Africa. It was truly an emotional and yet very exciting and moving occasion which felt us with great pride and joy.

Amongst partners who joined NAPWA for the 20th Anniversary Celebrations were the Provincial AIDS Council in Free State, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), and Network of African People living with HIV and AIDS in Southern African Region (NAP + SAR) and NASTAD.

The key objective of the event was to review and develop the next 5 year NAPWA National Strategic Plan 2014 – 2019 that would guide all NAPWA structures on how to respond and contribute in the current landscape of HIV and AIDS and to align NAPWA NSP 2014 - 2019 to the country Strategic Plan 2012 - 2016.

People living with HIV and AIDS are no longer dying in huge numbers as in the past decades. However there is still more that NAPWA as an organization needs to do for PLHIV as we believe that together with our government as partners can Combat The theme of the event was “Consolidate the gains made by NAPWA in the past 20 years by empowering PLHIV with Skills”. At least 50 NAPWA representatives nationally were trained on their role on AIDS Councils.

In Conclusion, we pledge our full support to continue to advise our government in HIV and AIDS related health matters. For more information please do not hesitate to contact the office of the NAPWA Secretary General